News & Notes: Kyle Hamilton Says Malaki Starks is ‘Miles Ahead’ of Where He Was as a Rookie Safety in NFL

In a moment of candid praise that speaks volumes about the emerging talent in NFL defensive backfields, Baltimore Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton didn’t hold back in complimenting Georgia product and rookie standout Malaki Starks. During a recent interview session with local media, Hamilton expressed genuine admiration for the progress and football IQ Starks has shown in the early stages of his professional career.

“He’s miles ahead of where I was as a rookie,” Hamilton said with a grin. “You can just see it – the way he reads plays, the way he moves. There’s something special brewing.”

A Rising Rookie Making Early Waves

Selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Malaki Starks entered the league with sky-high expectations. A former All-American at Georgia, Starks was known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, ball-hawking instincts, and innate understanding of offensive formations. Within just a few weeks of rookie minicamp and early training sessions, it’s become clear that Starks is more than ready to contribute immediately.

Veteran observers and coaches alike have lauded the rookie’s transition to the pro game. He’s not only grasping the complex terminology of an NFL defense but doing so with poise and purpose.

Hamilton’s Comments Add Weight to Starks’ Buzz

While early praise from teammates and coaches is expected, hearing it from a player like Kyle Hamilton — a former first-round pick who rapidly developed into one of the league’s most versatile and intelligent safeties — adds substantial credibility.

Hamilton, who himself experienced the growing pains of adjusting to the NFL level with the Ravens in 2022, is uniquely qualified to assess a rookie’s readiness.

“People don’t realize how hard it is to transition into this league, especially at safety,” Hamilton explained. “You’re the last line of defense, and you have to process things faster than everyone else. Malaki? He already sees things like a vet.”

Studying the Tape: Why Starks Stands Out

The Jets coaching staff has raved about Starks’ ability to break down film and apply what he sees directly to practice sessions. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich emphasized the rookie’s ability to identify route concepts, anticipate quarterback tendencies, and take proper angles to the ball.

“He’s always in the right spot,” Ulbrich said. “Even when we change things on the fly, he adjusts quickly. You don’t usually see that in first-year guys.”

Starks’ athleticism also sets him apart. Standing 6-foot-1 with a chiseled 205-pound frame, he’s clocked a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and boasts an explosive vertical leap. In camp, he’s already logged multiple pass breakups and an interception off a tipped ball — showcasing the type of closing speed and reaction time that makes scouts salivate.

Learning From the Past, Building Toward the Future

Hamilton’s recognition of Starks’ growth is also a reflection of how far Hamilton himself has come. Drafted out of Notre Dame, Hamilton took several games to settle into the Ravens’ complex defensive schemes. But once he did, he emerged as one of the most impactful safeties in the league, playing both in the box and as a deep roaming force.

“Looking back, I needed time. I had to learn the hard way,” Hamilton admitted. “Malaki’s already where I was halfway through my rookie year, maybe even further.”

It’s not a stretch to say Starks has benefited from the evolution of modern NFL safeties. The position now demands hybrid skills — the ability to tackle like a linebacker, cover like a corner, and think like a quarterback. Starks’ college career prepared him for that. And Hamilton’s mentorship could help elevate his game to elite levels faster than expected.

The Impact on the Jets Defense

For a Jets team that has leaned heavily on its defensive identity under head coach Robert Saleh, adding a player like Malaki Starks is more than just a luxury — it could be the catalyst for taking the next step.

The team already boasts a fearsome pass rush and elite cornerback talent in Sauce Gardner. With Starks patrolling the back end, the Jets now have a safety who can erase mistakes, create turnovers, and handle both man and zone assignments without blinking.

Veteran safety Jordan Whitehead praised the rookie’s humility and work ethic: “He listens. He learns. He works. That’s how you get better in this league.”

If Starks continues on his current trajectory, he may soon force the Jets’ hand to shuffle veterans in order to get him more snaps. And based on Hamilton’s assessment, that shift might come sooner than expected.

Rookie Pressure or Rookie Prepared?

Rookies often face immense pressure in the NFL — expectations, media scrutiny, and the speed of the pro game can overwhelm even the most talented college stars. But Starks seems unfazed.

He credits his time at Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, for molding him into a pro-ready athlete. “We were coached like pros,” Starks said earlier this month. “From how we studied film to how we practiced, it was always about being ready for the next level.”

His mindset has impressed both the Jets’ staff and veterans on the team. “He doesn’t act like a rookie,” said All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosley. “He walks around like he belongs, and then he proves it every play.”

Hamilton and Starks: A Mutual Respect

Though Hamilton and Starks play for different franchises, there’s a natural connection between the two safeties. Both came into the league as first-round picks. Both were expected to lead their teams’ secondaries. And both carry themselves with quiet confidence and cerebral intensity.

“I look forward to watching him every Sunday,” Hamilton said. “Guys like him raise the standard. He’s the next wave — and trust me, he’s coming.”

Hamilton’s comments have sparked media debate over how quickly Starks could reach Pro Bowl-level status. But for Starks, the focus remains inward.

“I’m grateful for the support,” he said when asked about Hamilton’s praise. “But I still have a lot to prove. I want to be the best version of myself every snap.”

When Kyle Hamilton says a rookie safety is “miles ahead” of where he was, it’s not just a soundbite — it’s a serious endorsement from one of the NFL’s top young defenders.

Malaki Starks is already showing the kind of maturity, athleticism, and football IQ that could make him a centerpiece of the Jets’ defense for years to come. If his current progress is any indication, fans might soon be adding his name to the short list of elite safeties — and wondering how he got so good so fast.

The baton of greatness may be passing sooner than anyone expected. And Kyle Hamilton, with humility and foresight, has tipped us off to the next star in the making.